You’ve seen them. Those tiny, jellybean-shaped sedans humming along in the slow lane, looking like they might blow away if a semi-truck passes too quickly. Most car critics absolutely hated the 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 when it launched. They called it slow. They called it loud. Honestly, they weren't exactly lying about those parts. But here’s the thing: almost ten years later, these little cars are still everywhere.
People are actually keeping them. Why? Because while the "experts" were busy complaining about 0-60 times, regular people were looking at their bank accounts and realizing this weird little sedan was basically a cheat code for cheap living.
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The Mirage G4 Sedan 2017 is Kind of a Math Problem
If you look at the Mirage G4 sedan 2017 on paper, the numbers feel like a typo. It has a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine. Not four. Three. That tiny heart pumps out a whopping 78 horsepower. To put that in perspective, some lawnmowers aren't far off.
But then you look at the weight. It’s barely over 2,000 pounds. It’s light. Like, really light. Because there isn't much "car" there, that 78 horsepower actually does more than you’d think, especially in city traffic.
Why the MPG is the Real Hero
Most people buy this car for one reason: gas. The EPA says you’ll get around 35 mpg in the city and 42 on the highway if you’re using the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Those are hybrid numbers without the hybrid price tag.
I’ve talked to owners who swear they hit 45 mpg on long highway stretches just by being gentle. In a world where gas prices feel like a secondary mortgage, that’s not just a feature—it’s a lifeline.
What It’s Actually Like to Drive (Being Real)
Let’s not sugarcoat it. Driving a 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is an experience. When you floor it, the engine makes a noise that some reviewers describe as a "raucous song." It’s buzzy. It’s loud. The CVT makes the engine rev high and stay there while the car slowly—very slowly—gains speed.
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Merging onto a fast-moving interstate requires a plan. You don't just "go." You calculate. You look for a gap, you floor it, and you pray a little.
The Steering and Handling Quirk
There’s this weird thing with the steering. It doesn't really "snap" back to center like most cars. If you turn the wheel and let go, the car just... keeps turning in a circle. You have to physically guide it back. It feels a bit like a go-kart or an old-school arcade game.
But in the city? It’s a dream. The turning radius is hilariously tight. You can pull U-turns in spots where a Honda Civic would be doing a three-point turn. Parking is a joke. You can fit into those "compact only" spots that are actually just large puddles.
The "Cheap" Interior That Actually Works
Inside, it’s a sea of hard plastic. There are no soft-touch surfaces. No fancy leather. No "premium" anything. But Mitsubishi did something smart in 2017. They added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the SE trim.
Think about that. In 2017, plenty of expensive luxury cars still didn't have phone integration. Here’s this "budget" car letting you plug in your iPhone and use Waze on a 6.5-inch touchscreen. It makes the car feel way more modern than it actually is.
- Rear Legroom: This is the G4’s secret weapon. It has more rear legroom than almost anything in its class. You can actually fit adults back there without them wanting to sue you.
- The Trunk: It’s 12.3 cubic feet. It’s not a cave, but it’s deep. You can fit a surprising amount of groceries or a couple of suitcases.
- The Warranty: Back then, it came with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. That gave a lot of first-time buyers peace of mind.
Common Problems: What to Look Out For
If you’re looking at a used one now, you need to know the gremlins. These aren't "unreliable" cars—RepairPal actually gives them a 4.5 out of 5—but they have quirks.
1. The Airbag Recall
There was a big software-related recall for 2017 and 2018 models. Basically, the sensors could misinterpret a flat tire or a bumpy road and decide not to deploy the airbags in a crash. If you're buying one, make sure the dealer has fixed this.
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2. Premature Brake and Tire Wear
Because the car is so light, Mitsubishi used relatively small brakes and tires. Owners often report having to replace brake pads or tires way sooner than they expected—sometimes as early as 20,000 miles.
3. AC Issues
Some units have had trouble keeping the cabin cool. Usually, it's just a refrigerant leak, but it's something to test before you hand over any cash.
The Safety Elephant in the Room
Safety is a mixed bag. The IIHS gave the Mirage G4 sedan 2017 "Good" ratings in most categories, like roof strength and head restraints. But it got a "Marginal" in the small overlap front test. That’s the test that simulates hitting a pole or another car with just the corner of your bumper.
It’s a small car. Physics is physics. If you get hit by a Ford F-150, the truck is going to win. But for a subcompact, it holds its own better than the "death trap" labels would suggest. It does have seven airbags, including one for the driver's knees.
Comparing the G4 to the Nissan Versa
Back in 2017, the main rival was the Nissan Versa. The Versa felt a bit more like a "real" car. It had a four-cylinder engine and felt slightly more planted on the road.
However, the Mirage G4 usually won on technology (the CarPlay thing was huge) and fuel economy. Plus, the Mitsubishi warranty was significantly better than Nissan's. If you wanted the cheapest possible way to get a new car with a long warranty, the Mirage was the winner.
Is It Worth It Today?
Honestly? It depends on who you are.
If you spend three hours a day on the highway at 80 mph, you will hate this car. It’s loud, it gets pushed around by the wind, and it feels strained. It's not a grand tourer.
But if you’re a college student, a delivery driver, or someone who just needs to get from Point A to Point B in the city for the least amount of money possible, the Mirage G4 sedan 2017 is brilliant. It’s honest. It doesn't pretend to be a sports car. It’s a tool.
Actionable Advice for Buyers
If you are hunting for one of these on the used market, do these three things:
- Check the CVT Fluid: These transmissions live and die by their fluid. If the previous owner never changed it, walk away.
- Test the AC: Run it on "Max" for ten minutes. If it’s not ice cold, prepare to spend a few hundred bucks on a fix.
- Verify the Recalls: Run the VIN through the NHTSA website. That airbag software update is non-negotiable for your safety.
Look for the SE trim if you can. The push-button start, heated seats, and Apple CarPlay make the car feel significantly less "cheap" and more like a smart, frugal choice.
The Mirage isn't for everyone. It’s for the people who realize that a car is just a machine that burns money, and they’d rather burn as little of it as possible.